Target-trap.



No. 792,823. A PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

F. HARDY.

TARGET TRAP.

APPLIUATION FILED PEB.1.A1904.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

16 2 k, i [d IWW 43 No. 792,823. K PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

E'. HARDY.

TARGET TRAP.

AlPLIOATION FILED EEB. 1. 1904.

2 SHEETS-SHBET 2.

UNITED STATES Patented June 20, 1905.

PATENT OEEIcE.

TARGET-TRAP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 792,823, dated June 20, 1905.

Application filed February 1, 1904. Serial No. 191,630.

To all whom it 11i/ay concern:

Be it lnown that I, FREDERICK HARDY, a citizen of the United States, residing in Mountpleasant, in the county of Maury and State of Tennessee, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Target-Traps, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had tothe accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification.

My invention relates to a trap for throwing targets for sharpshooters or Sportsmen; and it has for its object to provide a trap of' the kind named that may be operated entirely by 'a single person, the construction being' such Aelty hereinafter fully described, and pointed out in the claims.

Figure I is a top or plan view of my trap.

Fig. II is a vertical section taken on line II II, Fig. I, showing the trap in side elevation.

Fig. III is a vertical section taken on line III III, Fig. I. with parts adjacent to said line shown in elevation. Fig. IV is an enlarged vertical section taken on line IV IV, Fig. II. Fig. Vis a vertical section taken on lineVV,

Fig. I. Fig. VI is an enlarged vertical section taken on line VI VI, Fig. lII. Fig. VII

is an enlarged vertical section taken on line VII VII, Fig. I. Fig. VIII is an enlarged cross-section taken on line VIII VIII, Fig. II. Fig. IX is an enlarged section taken on line IX IX, Fig. II. Fig. X is an enlarged vertical section taken on lineXX, Fig. II. Fig.

`XI is a top view of the throw-arm-retaining mechanism. Fig. XII is an enlarged vertical section taken on line XII XII, Fig. II. Fig.

vXIII is an enlarged top view of the targetcarrier. Fig. XIV is an enlarged section taken on line XIV XIV, Fig. XIII. Fig. XV is an enlarged section taken on line XV XV, Fig. XIII.

A designates a pit in which a portion of' the mechanism for operating my trap is located, the pit being provided with a lining-wall l and fioor 2.

3 is a platform on which the trap-support is mounted. On the platform 3 is a recessed plate 4, that receives a swivel 5, the base 6 of which is preferably tapered outwardly, as seen in Figs. [I and XII, so that while the swivel is capable of oscillation in the recess in the plate 4 it is held from-disengagement therewith. In the upright of the swivel 5 is a clamp-bolt 7.

8 designates the main support of my trap, which is pivoted to the swivel 5 by the clampbolt 7, so as to he subject to being tilted vertically on the axis'furnished by said bolt. The support 8 is provided with an arm 9, to the outer end of which is fixed a post 10, that at its upper end bears a nut 11.

12 designates a pivot member or sleeve loosely fitted to the post 10 and confined thereon by the nut 11. Extending from the pivot member 12 is a throw-arm 13, and in the pivot member is a notch 14, the utility of which will be hereinafter specified.

15 designates a drum loosely mounted on the main support-arm 9 and arranged concentrically with the pivot member 12, to which it is loosely fitted. The drum 15 is provided with an eye 16, and mounted on the drum is a spring-actuated pawl 17, that is arranged to enter the notch 14 in the pivot member 12, as seen in Figs. II and IX.

18 designates a main power-spring that is connected at one end to the drum 15 by a cord or other flexible connection 19, that'is secured to the drum-eye 16. The opposite end of the spring 18 has connected to it means for expanding it, which will hereinafter be described.

2() designates a return-spring' that is preferably weaker' than the main power-spring 18. One end of this spring' 2O is united by a cord 21 or other flexible connection to the drumeye 16, and the other end of the spring is united to the main throw-arm support S.

22 and 22 designate a pair of uprights IOO spaced apart, as seen in Fig. X, and provided at the upper ends with transverse slots 23. Rotatively mounted between the uprights 22 and 22 are sheaves 24 and 25.

26 designates a pull-cord connected to the main power-spring 18 and leading therefrom over the sheave 25, this pull-cord being extended to lever mechanism by which the cord is put under strain to expand the powerspring. Ihe lever mechanism just mentioned consists of a foot-lever 27, that is provided with a foot-arm 28 at its free end and has its opposite end pivoted at 29 to a bracket 30, secured to the lining-wall 1 of the pit A, as seen in Fig. II.

31 is a rocker pivoted at 32 intermediate of its ends to the foot-lever 27. One end of this rocker receives the connection of a link 33, that is united to a fixed pivot-support 34, and the opposite arm of the rocker receives the connection of the pull-cord 26, by which the power-spring 18 is placed under tension.

35 is a detent that is pivoted to a post 36 and is arranged in the path of downward travel of the foot-lever 27, so that it will engage said lever, as seen in Fig. 1V, and retain it in lowered position after it has been depressed by pressure upon the Jfoot-piece 28. i

37 designates uprights positioned in the pit A and extending above said pit. These uprights support a table 38, at the under side of which is a semicircular flange 39, containing a plurality of notches 40. (See Figs. II and III.)

42 designates a trigger pivoted at 41 to a bracket depending from the table 38. This trigger is furnished with an arm that extends beneath the table and a downwardly-projecting arm 43.

44 is a push-rod operating loosely through the table 38 and provided at its u pper end with a button 45. 'Ihe push-rod 44 is surrounded by a lift-spring 46, positioned between said table and button, by ,which the rod is normally upheld. In the lower end of the pushrod 44 isa gravity-dog 47, that is designed to engage the trigger-arm 42.

48 is a pull-cord that is adjustably connected to the trigger-arm 43 by an adjustmentscrew 49, provided with a set-nut 50. The pull-cord 48 passes beneath the sheave 24, hereinbet'ore referred to, and is connected to a swinging latch-carrier 51, as seen in Fig. X.

52 designates a frame surmounting the slotted uprights 22 and 22. In this frame is mounted a pivot-pin 53, to which one end of the latch-carrier5l is journaled by ears 54.

55 is a rod extendinglongitu'dinal ly through the latch-carrier 51 and mounted in a crosspiece 56 and an exteriorly-screw-threaded sleeve 57, that is seated in the rear transverse portion 58 of the latch-carrier. On the sleeve 58 is a nut 59, that is held from longitudinal movement in the latch-carrier and is designed to be rotated to reciprocate the sleeve 57 inwardly or outwardly in the rear portion ofthe latch-carrier to vary the tension of a spring 60, that is mounted on the rod 55.

61 is a buffer mounted on the rod 55 and resting against the spring 60, so that itis yieldingly held when subjected to pressure.

62 designates a latch that is roclingly mounted on a pivot-pin 63, mounted in the free end of the latch-carrier. The free en'd of this latch is normally upheld by a spring 64.

The latch 62 and buffer 61 are designed to receive the engagement of the throw-arm 9 when said arm moves into a position coincident therewith, the engagement ot such parts being' provided for by a lug 9, projecting downwardly from the throw-arm, as seen in Figs. II and X. In such engagement the throw-arm moves in the direction of the arrow indicated in Fig. X and on passing over the free end of the latch 62 comes in engagement with the buffer 61 and is held confined between said members during which time the latch-carrier is upheld in horizontal position by the spring 53at on the pivot-pin 53.

For the purpose of varying the angle of the main support 8 and its arm 9, on which the throw-arm of the trap is mounted, I provide a vertical rock-shaft 65, that is connected to the swivel 5, on which the main support 8 is mounted, by a connecting-rod 66, that is` united to crank-arms 5 and 65, projecting, respectively, from the swivel 5 and rock-shaft 65. The upper end of the rock-shaft 65 is journaled in the table 38, and its lower end is seated ina box 67. (See Figs. II and VI.) In the box 67 is a lift-spring 68, by which said rock-shaft is normally upheld. Projecting from the upper end ot' the rock-shaft is a crank-handle 69, that is positioned beneath the flange 39 below the table 38. When it is desired to change the angle of the throw-arm support and vary the direction in which a target is thrown by the trap, the crank-handle 69 is grasped and pressed downwardly, thereby diseugaging it from one of the notches 4() in the flange 39, in which it was previously seated. This action forces the rockshaft 65 downwardly against the action of the lift-spring 68, and theshaft may then be rocked in a horizontal direction to oscillate the swivel 5 and the support 8 in connection therewith through the medium of the connecting-rod 66. When the desired point of adjustment is reached, the crank-handle is released, thereby permitting the rock-shaft to rise and the crank-handle to enter the adjacent notch 4() in the Elange 39.

70 designates a target-carrier plate that is rotatably mounted `on the free end of the throw-arm 13, to which it is connected by the pivot-pin 71. On this plate is a stud 72, o'- set from the pivot-pin 71, to secure leverage, aside from the pivotal connection of 'the carrier-plate to the throw-arm. The stud 72 receives the connection of a throw-spring 73,

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that is united to an adjustment-rod 74, mountl ed in a post 75 and bearing an adjustmentnut 76.

77 is a spring target-engaging jaw that is iixed at 78 to the carrier-plate 70 and at such point is provided with an overhanging {iange 79. Seated in the fixed end of the spring-jaw 77 is a buffer 80, that receives the edge of a target B when located on the carrier-plate and positioned beneath the overhanging flange 79. The free portion of the spring-jaw 77 is elevated from the carrier-plate 70 sufficiently to permit the entrance of the rim or edge of the target thereunder, as seen in Figs. II and XV.

81 is a set-screw that passes through an ear 82, carried by the carrier-plate 70, and bears against the free portion of the spring-jaw 7 7, this set-screw being designed for service to press the free portion of the spring-jaw inwardly, so that it will be properly positioned to overhang the rim of the target resting on the carrier-plate.

83 designates a rocking indicator that is pivoted at 84 to the wall of the pit A and is united to the foot-lever 27 by a connecting-cord 85. This indicator is designed to be thrown upwardly and outwardly beyond the side of the pit-wall, as seen in Figs. I and V, when the foot-lever has been depressed by the operator in setting the trap, thereby furnishing notice to the marksman for whom the target is to be thrown that the trap is set and ready for discharging the target.

In the practical use of my trap the operation is as follows: In setting the trap the operator places a foot upon the foot-piece of the foot-lever 27 and by depressing said foot-lever exerts a strain upon the pullcord 26, thereby drawing the power-spring 18 into expanded condition, as seen in Fig. II. At this time the throw-arm is retained in a fixed position by the engagement therewith of the buffer 61 and latch 62, as seen most clearly in Fig. X. During the downward movement of the foot-lever the leverage action upon the pull-cord 26 is enhanced andthe distance of throw of the foot-lever necessary is diminished, due to the presence of the interposed rocker 31, that by connection to the lever and pull-cord and having one end thereof held by the link 33 acts to compound the leverage action for the actuation of the pull-cord. During the operation of expanding the power-spring 18 and storing power therein the drum 15, to which said spring is connected, is held from rotation, due to engagement of the pawl17 in the notch 14 of the throw-arm pivot member 12, and therefore when the foot-lever 27 has been suiiiciently depressed to become engaged by the detent 35 the power-spring will remain in the expanded condition into which it has been stretched. The target is then placed on the target-plate 70 to be engaged by the springjaW 77, which plate is normally held in the thereto.

inwardly-disposed position(illustrated in Figs. I, II, and XIII) by the spring 73 connected The throw-arm 13is then released in the following manner: By pressing downwardly upon the button of the push-rod 44 the gravity-dog 47 is brought into engagement with the free arm of the trigger 42. The said trigger is thereby rocked rearwardly, causing strain to be exerted on the pull-cord 48, with the result that the pull-cord draws the latch-carrier 51 downwardly into the p0- sition seen in dotted lines, Fig. X, thereby moving the buffer 61 out of engagement with the throw-arm, so that said throw-arm is freed to swing in a circular path with its pivot member 12 to discharge the target on the carrierplate, after which it continues to swing until the latch-carrier is again reached, previous to which the latch-carrier is moved into elevated position under the action of its lifting-spring 53a. The throw-arm will then ride over the latch 62 and become engaged between the latch and the adjacent buffer to be again confined thereby ready for the next action of ksetting the trap. It is to be noted in connection with the actuation of the trigger 43, through the medium of which the latch-carrier 51 is operated, that it is entirely free of any direct connection with the push-rod 44 and dog 47,

that engage therewith, and that therefore immediately following the tripping of said trigger by the movement of the push-rod the trigger is freed to permit of its immediately rocking back to its normal position, and therefore the latch-carrier is unrestrained in any degree that would prevent its resuming its normal horizontal position to receive the throw-arm returning thereto. Immediately after the throw-arm has been operated, as stated, the retu rn-spring 2O acts to rotate the drum 15, thereby taking up the slack in the connections between the drum and the powery spring-actuating leverage mechanism. When the throw-arm is swung to discharge the tar- IOO get, the carrier-plate 70 is thrown outwardly,

due to centrifugal action, and as a conse-- quence makes a com plete rotation on its pivot, during which the target is discharged when the carrier reaches the point indicated by dotted lines in Fig. XIII. During rotation of the carrier-plate 70 its motion is accelerated by the throw-spring 78 connected thereto, due to the connection of said spring to the stud 72 in a position offset from the point of pivotal mounting of the carrier-plate. This acceleration takes place at the point where the stud 72 passes a longitudinal line extending through the throw-arm 13 and at the instant of discharge of the target. After the trap has been operated in the manner described the foot-.lever 27 is released by pressing the detent 35 to one side by the operatorsfoot, and the lever is thereby permitted to rise into the elevated position (seen in dotted lines,

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Fig. II,) ready to receive the next downward pressure to again store power in the powerspring 18 by placing it under tension.

A target-trap constructed in accordance with my invention provides for the setting of the trap-throwing mechanism by the operators foot, leaving both of his hands free, so that he may introduce the targets with the left hand and change the angles with the right hand simultaneously, and this being done trips the trigger at the c all to throw the target.

I claim as my inventionl. In a target-trap, the combination of a throw-arm support, a throw-arm rotatably mounted on said support, a spring-controlled member for actuating said throw-arm, a powerspring connected to said member, compound leverage mechanism by which said spring is placed under tension, and means for holding and releasing said throw-arm, substantially as set forth.

2. In a target-trap, the combination of a throw-arm support, a throw-arm rotatably mounted on said support, means for actuating said throw-arm, and means for holding and releasing said throw-arm,consisting cfa looselymounted carrier, a buffer mounted in said carrier, and a spring-actuated latch, substantially as set forth.

3. In a target-trap, the combination of a throw-arm support, a throw-arm rotatably mounted on said support, means for actuating said throw-arm, and means for holding and releasing said throw-arm consisting of a swingingly-mounted latch-carrier, a buffer mounted in said carrier, and a spring-controlled latch, substantially as set forth.

4. In a target-trap, the combination of a throw-arm support, a throw-arm rotatably mounted on said support, means for actuating said throw-arm, and means for holding and releasing said throw-arm, consisting of a swingingly mounted springcontrolled latch carrier, a buffer mounted in said carrier, a springcontrolled latch mounted in said carrier, and means for swinging said carrier, substantially as set forth.

5. In a target-trap, the combination of a throw-arm support, a throw-arm rotatably mounted on said support, means for actuating said throw-arm, and means for holding and releasing said throw-arm, consisting of a springcontrolled swinging latch-carrier, a springcontrolled latch in said carrier, a buffer in said carrier, a spring for resisting the movement of said buffer, and means for adjusting said spring, substantially as set forth.

6. In a target-trap, the combination of a throw-arm support, a throw-arm rotatably mounted on said support, an oscillatory member to engage and move said throw-arm, a power-spring connected to said oscillatory member, a return-spring connected to said oscillatory member, a lever, a connecting-cord leading from said power-spring, and a rocker pivoted to said lever and having said springconnecting cord united thereto, whereby the leverage action upon said spring-connecting means is compounded, substantially as set forth.

7 In a target-trap, the combination of a throw-arm support, a throw-arm rotatably mounted on said support, means for actuating said throw-arm, and means for holding and releasing said throw-arm, consisting of a springcontrolled swinging latch-carrier, a springcontrolled latch in said carrier, a buffer in said carrier, a spring for resisting the movement of said buffer, and means for adjusting said spring, substantially as set forth.

8. In a target-trap, the combination of a throw-arm support, a throw-arm rotatably mounted on said support, latch mechanism with which said throw-arm engages, and means for moving said latch mechanism, consisting of a pull-cord, a trigger to which said pullvcord is connected, and means for operating said trigger, substantially as set forth.

9. In a target-trap, the combination of a throw-arm support, a throw-arm rotatably mounted on said support, means for actuating said throw-arm, and means for varying the angle of said throw-arm support, consisting of a rock-shaft, means for connecting said throw-arm support and rock-shaft, a crankhandle carried by said rock-shaft, and a notched member for receiving the engagement of said crank-handle, su bstantially as set forth.

10. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotatable throw-arm, means for actuating said throw-arm, a target-carrier plate rotatably mounted on said throw-arm, a semicircular spring-jaw having one end fixed to said carrierplate, and a buffer carried by said jaw at its fixed end, su bstantially as set forth.

ll. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotatable throw-arm, means for actuating said throw-arm, a carrier-plate pivoted to said throw-arm, a spring-jaw having one end liXed to said carrier-plate, and its other end free, and a set-screw for adjusting the free end of said jaw, substantially as set forth.

FREDERICK HARDY.

In presence of- NELLIE V. ALEXANDER,

BLANCHE HOGAN.

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